A new chapter in Lithuanian football begins on Tuesday evening as FK Kauno Žalgiris make their UEFA Champions League debut, hosting Kosovo champions Drita in the first leg of the opening qualifying round at Darius and Girėnas Stadium.
The Lithuanian champions earned their place in Europe’s premier club competition after winning the Toplyga title for the first time in the club’s history last season. Their reward is a meeting with one of the fastest-rising clubs in the Balkans.
Drita arrive in Kaunas carrying significant European pedigree. Last season, the Kosovo champions became the first club from their country to reach the league phase of a UEFA competition, advancing all the way to the UEFA Conference League knockout phase play-offs before being eliminated by Lithuanian internationals Artemijus Tutyškinas and Armandas Kučys represented Slovenian side Celje.
Kauno Žalgiris, meanwhile, enter the tie under new leadership after appointing Croatian coach Željko Sopic following a difficult run of domestic form that saw the defending champions slip to third place in the Toplyga standings.
There is also positive news for the hosts ahead of kick-off. Lithuanian international Vykintas Slivka, officially unveiled as a Kauno Žalgiris player on Monday, has been included in the club’s UEFA Champions League squad and is available to make his debut against Drita. Slivka returns to Lithuania for the first time in 15 years after playing abroad in Italy, Slovenia, Scotland, Netherlands Greece and lastly in Japan.
Despite having only recently taken charge, Sopic is confident ahead of his second competitive match. “We are playing against the champions of Kosovo, and we know they are a strong team. They reached the UEFA Conference League phase last season. It won’t be an easy match, but we are playing at home, all of my players are fit, and I believe in my boys,” the Croatian said in the pre-match press conference.
He also emphasized that his side must focus on imposing their own game. “Teams from Kosovo are very aggressive and physically strong, but the most important thing is how we play. We are getting better every day, and I believe we will be ready.”
Kauno Žalgiris winger Fabien Ourega believes the arrival of a new coach has brought fresh energy to the squad ahead of the club’s biggest European match. “A new manager always brings fresh energy because everyone is fighting for their place again. It feels like the beginning of a new season,” Ourega told Baltic Football News.
The French winger also highlighted the importance of taking advantage of home field before next week’s return leg in Kosovo. “Getting a good result in Kaunas will be crucial, and our supporters can make all the difference.”
Drita head coach Zekirija Ramadani also expects a closely contested tie but believes his side is capable of returning home with a positive result. “We are prepared psychologically, physically and tactically. We believe we can achieve a positive result, but this is only the first 90 minutes. Everything will be decided over two matches.”
Today’s encounter will be the first-ever Champions League match in Kauno Žalgiris history. Also this will be the first ever match for Kauno Žalgiris against the opposition from Kosovo, as well as Drita’s first time playing against Lithuanian club.
